When the Guardians have the ball: I-Pro/multiple offensive sets. … Scored 267 points (24.3 ppg) in 2011. … Burke appears ready to capitalize on a solid sophomore season at receiver. … Ashton-Evans steps in at QB. … The backs look solid, with Henrickson, Soucy and Westbrook competing for the top spot … O’Connor, Boykin and Moore will help out at receiver.

When their opponents have the ball: 4-3 and 4-4 defenses. … Allowed 194 points (17.6 ppg.) in 2011. The Guardians are young up front, but very experienced otherwise. … SPM has Soucy, Westbrook and O’Connor back at LB. … Moore, Burke and Ashton-Evans are back to make life difficult for opposing QBs. … Soucy was second on the teams in tackles. … Genese and Boykin should be solid newcomers, while Smith and Albert play the ends.

In the trenches: Bushe and Sacco return on the line. … Kozlowski and Swenson compete at center, while Mulhearn, Genese and McGrath battle for other spots.

One to watch: Few playmakers have the raw talent that Burke does, so if he can bring it to another level as a junior, the Guardians should be in good shape.

Schedule:

Sept. 8…Fitchburg, 7

Sept. 15…Shepherd Hill, 7

Sept. 22…Auburn, 7

Sept. 28…at Algonquin, 7

Oct. 6…Milford, 7

Oct. 12…at Wachusett, 7

Oct. 19…at Doherty, 7

Oct. 26…at North Middlesex, 7

Nov. 3…at Holy Name, 2

Nov. 9…Burncoat, 7

Nov. 22…at St. John’s, 10:30 a.m.

Key game: Oct. 12 at Wachusett. The Mountaineers usually have a solid defense every year, so this game should be a good test for the Guardians’ young offense.

2011 results:

St. Peter-Marian 20…Fitchburg 6

St. Peter-Marian 27…Shepherd Hill 20

Auburn 35…St. Peter-Marian 6

St. Peter-Marian 46…Algonquin 25

St. Peter-Marian 19…Milford 14

Wachusett 14…St. Peter-Marian 7

St. Peter-Marian 33…Doherty 6

St. Peter-Marian 39…North Middlesex 12

Holy Name 14…St. Peter-Marian 13

St. Peter-Marian 36…Burncoat 21

St. John’s 27…St. Peter-Marian 21

Jim’s take: The Guardians look strong with juniors like Burke and Henderson, so don’t be surprised to see SPM make a run at that elusive postseason position.